Blends of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/4,4?-thiodiphenol and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)/ 4,4?-thiodiphenol: Specific interaction and properties

The specific interaction between poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)] and 4,4′-thiodiphenol (TDP) and between poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and TDP was investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Interassociated hydrogen bonds were found between the polyester chains and the TDP molecules in the binary blends. The fractions of associated carbonyl groups, Fb 's, in the blends first increased and then decreased as the TDP content increased. The thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of P(3HB)–TDP and PHBV–TDP blends were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, respectively. Thermal analysis revealed that the P(3HB)–TDP blends possessed eutectic phase behavior. Furthermore, it was found that the thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of P(3HB) and PHBV were greatly modified through blending with TDP. Environmental degradability in river water was evaluated by a biochemical oxygen demand tester, and it was clarified that TDP lowered the degradation rate of P(3HB). The results suggest that TDP is effective in modifying the physical properties as well as the biodegradability of polyesters.